Ex-Security Official Claims Hostage Deal Opportunities Were Deliberately Rejected

Former IDF Brigadier General (Res.) Dror Shalom, who previously served as head of the Research Division at AMAN and head of the Political-Security Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, stated in an interview that earlier opportunities to reach a hostage deal were intentionally postponed. He expressed suspicion that the delay was motivated by a hope that Donald Trump would be elected president, believing this could allow for the dismantling of the "day after" plan for Gaza and buy time. Shalom noted, with what he described as terrible irony, that this strategy appeared to succeed.

Shalom also suggested that without the intervention of President Trump and his associates, influenced by protests, it was doubtful that any hostages would have been returned. He praised Trump's decision as brave and moral. The former official also criticized Yonatan Urikh, an advisor to the Prime Minister, pointing out that Urikh admitted to receiving Qatari funding even after October 7th, yet remained in his position. Shalom expressed concern for national security with Urikh still in the Prime Minister's office, especially as Urikh is reportedly managing the Prime Minister's campaign while receiving Qatari funds, which Shalom likened to intelligence operations within an enemy state.

Regarding Hamas's control over the Gaza Strip and its disarmament, Shalom argued there is an interest in leaving Hamas in place. He stated that the rationale was that a hostage deal would prevent further military action, but with no hostages currently in Gaza and not all having returned alive, there is no impediment to conquering the territory. He questioned why Gaza is not being conquered now, asking if Trump is the sole obstacle, and concluded that Hamas remaining in power represents a significant strategic failure.